Photo Credit: Doucefleur
The following is a summary of “Differential association between childhood trauma subtypes and neurocognitive performance in adults with major depression,” published in the November 2024 issue of Psychiatry by Wang et al.
Neurocognitive impairment is common in major depressive disorder (MDD). Childhood trauma increases vulnerability to MDD and contributes to cognitive dysfunction.
Researchers conducted a retrospective study to analyze the impact of childhood trauma on neurocognitive impairment in MDD. The effects of different trauma types on cognition in MDD are unclear.
The study included 186 individuals with MDD and 268 controls. Childhood trauma was assessed using the 28-item Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form, and neurocognitive abilities were measured with the Cambridge Neuropsychological Testing Automated Battery.
The results showed that childhood trauma and MDD diagnosis were independently linked to neurocognitive impairment. Physical neglect was associated with poor visual and working memory, while MDD was linked to working memory and planning. Interactive analysis found physical/sexual abuse related to high vigilance and emotional neglect linked to better cognitive flexibility. Childhood emotional and physical abuse, along with emotional neglect, were risk factors for early-onset, chronic depression.
The study concluded that childhood trauma’s impact on cognitive development in depression is complex and needs further research.
Source: bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-024-06226-9
